A message from the author:

I had so much fun creating my first two books, I decided to bring the lightbulbs back for another adventure. Thinking about a subject that would also be a learning experience, I came up with the lights traveling across America. Fourth grade standards include learning about the states, so what better way to teach them than through these lovable characters! Adults will love the book too!

About

Debbie earned a B.S. and Masters degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Early in her career, she was a teacher and Director of Instruction at Jack and Jill Preschool in Alexandria, Minnesota. A career in public education followed, as she taught first grade in Villard, Minnesota, and kindergarten in Glenwood, Minnesota. After 40 years in education, Debbie decided to retire from teaching in 2013.

A life-long artist and musician, Debbie always strived to incorporate the arts into all aspects of learning, including reading and math. Upon retirement, with a passion for art and a dream of being a children's author, Debbie tried her hand at writing and illustrating a book. She has now proven to herself and others that you are never too old to live your dreams!

"Light Up the Year," Debbie's first book, came about after taking a class from Nancy Carlson, a Minnesota author and illustrator. Nancy's books were an inspiration for many of the lessons Debbie taught over the years. With encouragement from Nancy, Debbie began working on her "lightbulb character," and the story line began to evolve for her first book.

Together with her husband Brad, Debbie has a son John, married to Melissa, and a daughter, Jenny. Three adorable grandchildren, Gabe, Atti, and Linnea, live close by, where they can enjoy lake living with Grandma and Grandpa. Debbie spent her first year of retirement lending her expertise to help Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool of Alexandria, MN, which opened in the fall of 2014. She also loves substitute teaching in preschool, kindergarten and first grade for the Minnewaska School District.

In addition to speaking at elementary and preschool children, Debbie has been a featured presenter at Young Writers Workshops for 3-8 graders across Minnesota. Debbie has visited campuses at St. Benedict College, Bethel College, Northland Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls Community College, and Southwest State University.